Start Date
Sep 22, 2025 at 8:00 AM
End Date
Sep 22, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Location
Malaysia
Venue
Grand Ballroom, Level 1, M World Hotel, PJ, Selangor
The East Asia Business Council (EABC) Malaysia hosted the East Asia Business Forum 2025 at the M World Hotel in Petaling Jaya, gathering over 180 leaders and experts from across the region. The forum’s theme, "East Asia Reimagined: Building Business Resilience in a Disrupted World," set the stage for a day of in-depth discussions on navigating a rapidly changing global landscape. The event was inaugurated with welcome remarks from EABC Chair Tan Sri Azman Hashim, followed by an address from Mr. Li Feng, who represented EABC Co-Chair Mr. Nie Wenhui.
Panel 1: Digital Sustainability – The Convergence of Tech & ESG
The first panel explored the critical intersection of technology and sustainability. Moderated by Mr. Jeremy Tan, CEO of Liquid Group, the session featured a distinguished lineup of speakers who shared their experience on how businesses can use technological innovation to achieve environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives.
- Datuk Shahril Azuar Jimin of Maybank provided a banking perspective on green financing and sustainable investment.
- Mr. Johnson Chang from Hextar Group offered insights into integrating ESG principles within industrial and agricultural sectors.
- Mr. Ong Kian Yew of PIKOM (The National Tech Association of Malaysia) discussed the role of digital transformation in creating a more sustainable tech ecosystem.
- Mr. Max Lee from Pantas Climate Solution highlighted the use of technology to measure and manage carbon footprints, helping companies meet their climate goals.
Guest Speaker: Following the first panel session, Dr. Mari Elka Pangestu, Special Envoy to the President of Indonesia, delivered a special address. Her talk, titled "Resilient Growth in East Asia: Balancing Disruptions with Inclusive and Sustainable Development," offered a high-level view on the region's challenges and opportunities, stressing the importance of balancing economic growth with social equity and environmental protection.
Panel 2: Future-proofing East Asia Against Geoshocks
The second panel delved into strategies for mitigating the impact of geopolitical and economic shocks. Moderated by Mr. Norman Goh of Nikkei Asia, this session brought together leading experts to discuss how businesses can build resilience in a turbulent world.
- Mr. Tetsuya Watanabe of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) shared economic and policy analysis on regional stability.
- Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Rebecca Fatima Sta. Maria from the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) provided her insights on trade policy and institutional reforms.
- Dr. Robert Yap from YCH Group discussed supply chain and logistics strategies to counter disruptions.
- Mr. Ahmed Zaki Moten of Micron Technology, Inc. offered a perspective from the technology sector on navigating global supply chain complexities.
The forum concluded with a special address from YB Tuan Liew Chin Tong, Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, who emphasised the crucial role of regional collaboration and technological advancement in securing East Asia’s future.
The event also marked the official launch of the new EABC website, a user-friendly platform designed to be a central hub for communication and collaboration, a project spearheaded by Mr. Jeremy Tan of EABC Singapore and his team at Liquid Group.
